Each year more and more collectors are turning to the secondary market to purchase collectibles, usually without leaving the comfort of their own home. If you approach the transaction with a list of do's and don'ts, you can assure yourself of a fair and equitable transaction, whether you're buying or selling. Most collectors opt to utilize a collector exchange service, which is usually an Internet or web site type business dedicated to matching buyers with sellers and vice versa. A reputable exchange or secondary market dealer will broker your transaction so that the buyer receives a perfect, mint piece and the seller receives prompt payment. A commission of 20-30% is customarily charged to the seller.
If you detect a flaw in a collectible you have purchased through an exchange or elsewhere, immediately call that exchange or seller to report it. Most exchanges allow a two-three day approval period. If your purchase is damaged in shipment, the shipper is responsible for filing the claim with the carrier. Call the point of sale immediately, and be sure to save the shipping container and all the packing material for inspection by the adjuster. You should receive a full refund for the insured value or a replacement piece immediately and be spared a lengthy claims process. This can only happen, of course, of you deal with reputable sales sources.
Did you buy a $500 figurine on eBay.com for only $100 ? That's too bad. Factory seconds from both the Lladró outlet stores at Woodbury Commons in Harriman, NY and Valencia, Spain are currently being sold by disreputable third parties as first quality. Take it from Janet: these pieces are worth zilch on the secondary market. If the flower has been ground off of the logo on the bottom of your figurine, you have been had.